Hernandez considering space station

For Stockton astronaut Jose Hernandez, 2009 was the year of space travel, 2010 the year of working with Congress, and 2011 has the makings of a year of big decisions.

Jennie Rodriguez

For Stockton astronaut Jose Hernandez, 2009 was the year of space travel, 2010 the year of working with Congress, and 2011 has the makings of a year of big decisions.

These days, he reflects on the work that followed his space mission - a job in Washington - and on a decision whether to stretch his dream by signing on for an extended stay aboard the International Space Station.

His journey aboard the space shuttle Discovery was well-documented, as he and his fellow crew members resupplied the International Space Station during a two-week mission.

Hernandez, born in French Camp to migrant farm worker parents, is the first person from San Joaquin County to go into space, and his journey from English learner to astronaut inspired many to dream big and seek educational opportunities to pursue such dreams.

But coming back to Earth has been equally challenging for the Franklin High School and University of the Pacific graduate.

In 2010, he served as a liaison between the White House and Congress, presenting the Obama administration's vision of commercial space travel and missions to Mars and hoping to find support.

"My job was to basically help spell out space policy to Congress in an effort to make sure we had a budget that was conducive to what we want to accomplish for the next two years," said Hernandez, 48. "I learned a lot."

The administration's plan divides space travel into two categories: lower-orbit exploration, in which transportation is privatized; and beyond low-orbit exploration, in which NASA travel and technology are focused on areas such as Mars and near-Earth asteroids.

NASA, which has a budget of $19.1 billion, will shift its focus to new technology to study far-reaching areas.

"It's leading us to the next logical step," Hernandez said. "I think it's time that we set our sights on going to Mars or a near-Earth asteroid.

"The projects we're working on right now are developing heavy lift capability and a space capsule that will take us through interplanetary travel. Those are the things we plan on funding at NASA."

NASA plans to contract with private technology companies on the development of lower-orbit spacecraft.

In December, SpaceX became the first commercial company to have one of its spacecraft, the Dragon, launch to space and return to Earth successfully.

NASA will pay companies such as SpaceX to carry supplies to the International Space Station within two years.